Well, it looks like CFB players and the NCAA are kind of in a weird situation that’s only putting stress on the committee for their guidelines. Now, when the big dogs lead, the pups follow—and Wisconsin’s DB is now stuck in the same spot. Diego Pavia recently achieved a remarkable victory in his court battle, challenging the NCAA’s policy of counting junior college years against eligibility. Now, this guy is attempting a similar feat for D-II, but it seems he’s in a real bind.

However, here’s the kicker. This D-II athlete factor will not help Nyzier Fourqurean to gain anything with this lawsuit. So, the problem is when Diego Pavia won the lawsuit, he immediately got $1M in NIL, but when it comes to Nyzier, he might not even win the lawsuit. Even Coach JB and Smitty think that way, as they say, “So this is another way I’m going to let you go, but what’s going on in Wisconsin? What’s going on with this D-II? By the way, last time I checked, isn’t D-II in the NCAA?” But why is his case different from Pavia’s?

Let’s take a closer look at Diego Pavia’s situation. Now, this guy has successfully fought for extended eligibility after playing at a non-NCAA school, a decision that had a profound impact. However, this triumph does not benefit Nyzier Fourqurean, who has played under NCAA rules and, therefore, cannot rely on the legal precedent set by Pavia. Comparing their cases is like comparing apples to oranges, and it is unlikely that the court will treat them similarly.

Moreover, Nyzier Fourqurean’s case is akin to trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. He is hoping that the NCAA will make an exception due to his father’s untimely death, allowing him to exceed the five-year eligibility limit by excluding his D-II seasons. But it is important to face reality: the NCAA’s rules are rigid and unyielding, and despite the tragic circumstances surrounding Fourqurean’s situation, convincing the NCAA to grant him a waiver will be an uphill battle.

If you still don’t believe it, just read what Coach JB and Smitty said: “Yes, he’s not, and that’s the key. That’s why he’s probably not going to win. This holds no water now. Let everyone play an unlimited amount of time. Yeah, in the event that he wins, which I don’t see how he would, it’s a wrap.” Plus, at the end of the day, even with a heart-wrenching story, the NCAA’s five-year rule is as tough as nails. The court would need to make a major exception, overturning a lot of established rules.

Nyzier following Diego Pavia’s path of success

Well, in December, Diego Pavia made a significant move by winning a temporary injunction that extended his eligibility for another year after his JUCO career. This decision not only benefited him but also made it easier for players like Tawee Walker from Wisconsin to transfer and play at Cincinnati next season.

Now, Nyzier Fourqurean hopes to follow a similar path by challenging the NCAA’s denial of his request for additional eligibility. In response to the NCAA’s decision, Fourqurean has filed a lawsuit seeking immediate relief before the NFL deadline on February 7. He claims his limited playing time during his first season (2021-22) at Grand Valley State should be considered as only three games played, similar to Division I redshirt seasons. That’s crazy.

It’s kind of like what Diego Pavia did, but with his own touch. Nyzier believes that the NCAA’s rules, which limit him to four seasons of eligibility, hinder his chances of making it to the professional level. With college football evolving into more of a “labor market” thanks to NIL, Fourqurean says denying him this chance puts him at a disadvantage financially and professionally.

However, the main goal of the lawsuit is to secure at least one more season of play with Wisconsin, where Fourqurean has made a significant impact. Starting 12 games and racking up 51 tackles and an interception, Nyzier is definitely a key piece for the Badgers. The interesting thing is they’ve already offered him a spot for the 2025 season if he’s eligible. Now, let’s see if he would rather return to college football or make a jump to the NFL right away.